Bill > SB1369

This bill amends Arizona law regarding access to death investigation materials collected by a county medical examiner. Specifically, it clarifies that reports, including detailed forensic reports like toxicology, anthropology, neuropathology, and odontology reports, along with photographs, digital images, x-rays, and video recordings, are generally not public records and require a judge's order for disclosure after an in-camera review, where the judge examines the materials privately. However, the bill outlines several exceptions allowing specific individuals and entities to access these materials without a court order, including law enforcement agencies, the decedent's immediate family or their legal representative, the decedent's estate representative, government authorities for public health duties, the attending physician or nurse practitioner, educational or research institutions (provided the decedent's identity is not revealed), and attorneys involved in criminal or post-conviction proceedings. The bill also prioritizes requests from the decedent's family and clarifies that it does not alter existing trial or discovery processes, while also providing immunity to the medical examiner's office and county for lawful disclosures.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84921